New York Jets activate DL Nathan Shepherd ahead of Week 9

The New York Jets have activated Nathan Shepherd after he served a six-game suspension for violating the league’s substance policy.

One of the New York Jets‘ young defensive linemen has finally returned to the roster. After serving a six-game suspension for violating the league’s substance policy, Nathan Shepherd has been activated.

The second-year pro succumbed to two separate violations while recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. He’s yet to play a game this season.

New York originally drafted Shepherd in the third round (No. 72 overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Fort Hays State University in Kansas. In 16 games last season (five starts), he racked up 15 combined tackles, one tackle-for-loss, and five quarterback hits. Shepherd could get some more playing time than expected with the recent trade of Leonard Williams to the New York Giants.

In addition to this move, the Jets placed running back Trenton Cannon on injured reserve. Cannon, 25, is also a second-year pro who the Jets took in the sixth round (No. 204 overall) of 2018’s draft. He’s currently dealing with a foot injury.

Cannon has only been on the field for one offensive snap thus far in 2019. He’s spent time as a kick returner, having racked up five returns for 96 yards. Overall, he’s averaged 19.2 yards-per-return.

The Jets are entering their Week 9 matchup with the Miami Dolphins on Sunday sporting a 1-6 record. Luckily, their opponent is even worse with an 0-7 record. The two AFC East rivals are set to kick off at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami at 1 p.m. ET.